Diabetes is a widespread health concern affecting millions, and the journey to manage it can often feel overwhelming. For Sherri Shepherd, a personal wake-up call came in the form of a question from her son, highlighting the critical need for effective diabetes management and support systems. Like Sherri, countless individuals seek accessible and effective tools to navigate their diabetes journey. This is where Abbott, a leader in healthcare innovation, steps in with solutions like the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, and initiatives that align with the essence of a patient assistance program for diabetes care.
The reality is stark: every minute, multiple individuals in the United States receive a diabetes diagnosis. Sherri Shepherd’s story resonates with this reality, underscoring the urgency for accessible and user-friendly diabetes management tools. Her pivotal moment propelled her to discover the power of continuous glucose monitoring with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre system.
CGM technology, like FreeStyle Libre, represents a significant advancement in diabetes care. It empowers individuals with real-time glucose level insights, enabling them to make informed decisions about their diet, activity, and overall health management. By continuously tracking glucose levels, users can proactively prevent dangerous spikes and mitigate long-term complications associated with diabetes. This proactive approach is central to effective diabetes care and embodies the supportive nature of a patient assistance program.
Despite the transformative potential of CGM, shockingly only a small fraction of people with diabetes globally utilize this technology. This gap highlights the need for greater awareness and accessibility to CGM systems. Abbott is actively addressing this challenge, collaborating with advocates like Sherri Shepherd to illuminate the path forward and emphasize the benefits of CGM in daily diabetes management.
To further amplify this message, Abbott launched a campaign during November, coinciding with World Diabetes Day. This initiative involved a donation to the American Diabetes Association for every visit to their “Countdown at a Crossroads” webpage, aiming to raise awareness about diabetes and the life-changing impact of continuous glucose monitoring. The symbolic 99 cents donation represented the 99% of people with diabetes who are yet to experience the benefits of CGM technology, underscoring the potential for widespread positive change.
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre portfolio stands at the forefront of this revolution in diabetes care. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system, their latest innovation, exemplifies this commitment. Approved for individuals aged four and above, including pregnant women, FreeStyle Libre 3 is recognized as the most accurate 14-day CGM system available. Its discreet, user-friendly design, about the size of two stacked pennies, continuously transmits glucose readings to a smartphone every minute, providing seamless and immediate data for informed self-management.
Recognizing the importance of firsthand experience, Abbott offers eligible individuals a free** two-week trial of a CGM sensor through their MyFreeStyle program. This diabetes education and support program allows individuals to experience the daily benefits of FreeStyle Libre CGM and determine if it aligns with their diabetes management needs. This trial program acts as a crucial stepping stone, removing barriers to access and mirroring the supportive intent of a patient assistance program.
The core message remains: the vast majority of individuals with diabetes worldwide are not yet leveraging the power of CGM. Abbott’s initiatives, including the awareness campaign, the FreeStyle Libre technology, and the trial program, are designed to bridge this gap. By increasing awareness and accessibility, Abbott is actively working towards a future where more people with diabetes can benefit from continuous glucose monitoring, leading to improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life. For more information and to contribute to this important cause, visit the Countdown at a Crossroads page.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this website should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sherri Shepherd is a paid ambassador for FreeStyle Libre portfolio.
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* Abbott will donate $0.99 to the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Health Equity Now (HEN) program for every unique visit to its Countdown at a Crossroads website (www.Crossroads.Abbott) from November 1–30, 2023, 11:59:59 PM ET, up to $100,000.
**Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor. Patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor through their parent or guardian. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, residents of Massachusetts, or US territories (other than Puerto Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third-party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.
